Combine Academy: 8 – 21 – 12 – 13: 54
Gray Collegiate: 13 – 10 – 11 – 18: 52
Gray Collegiate came out strong early on with their perimeter shot-making, which helped them earn a 13-8 first-quarter lead. But it was Combine’s defense that set the tone in the second quarter, ending the half on a 16-2 run to take a 29-23 halftime lead. Silas Demary Jr. led the way early on for Combine, while five players scored for Gray Collegiate early on. It was a competitive third quarter with neither team being able to make a run, as Combine outscored GCA 12-11 in the third quarter, as it was anyone’s game heading into the fourth. With Combine holding the lead, Gray Collegiate continued to chip away at the lead and eventually got it down to two points behind Montraivis White three ball. Combine left the door open with two late free throws missed, but the game-winning three from White and another shot from LJ Britt didn’t fall, as Combine came away with the 54-52 victory.
Stats:
Combine: Collin Tanner 17pts, 11rebs/ Silas Demary Jr. 12pts, 7rebs, 5asts/ Trentyn Flowers 8pts, 4rebs
GCA: Montraivis White 14pts, 6asts/ Treyvon Maddox 12pts/ Avantae Parer 9pts, 9rebs
Standouts:
2023 Collin Tanner (Combine): Tanner continues to be a vital role for this team; he is one that doesn’t need the spotlight to be effective, steps up when is needed, and just knows how to make plays in a variety of ways. Tanner did a great job getting downhill and not settling, helping get to the line and also being huge on the boards for his team. He stepped up HUGE for his team, as the Richmond commit finished with a double-double.
2023 Silas Demary Jr. (Combine): Demary was big, not only for what he was able to do in leading the charge in the first half but also for his overall impact and stat stuffer. Demary Jr. not only did a great job in creating and getting downhill, showing terrific ability in getting around his defender and to the basket, but he was strong on the boards, facilitated to his teammates, and was elite on the defensive end.
2025 Treyvon Maddox (GCA): We have known about the 6’7 sophomore prospect for some time and he rose to the occasion with his play. The wing prospect continues to show his motor/energy on the floor, as well as his athleticism, but what has to impress is his improved jumper from the outside, hitting multiple threes in the game.
2023 Avantae Parker (GCA): Though it wasn’t the best offensive game for Parker, you can’t deny his impact on the court with what he showed, who he had to guard, and his overall impact. When his offensive game wasn’t going, he remained active on the defensive end in blocking shots and attacking the boards. But in the second half, he started to get going with his athleticism, his footwork, and being able to make plays in a variety of areas.